Shen Ci told Su Jinnian that the matter of borrowing money was postponed, not because he suddenly found some plans immature.
It was because of Meng Chuyue.
He feared he and Su Jinnian might become romantic rivals over Meng Chuyue.
He didn’t want to feel awkward competing with him due to the debt and the favor owed.
But how could he not compete?
Shen Ci stayed at Su Jinnian’s place for nearly an hour, then returned home in a lackluster mood.
After a groggy sleep, he woke up to find it was already past two in the afternoon. Eating two oranges that Meng Chuyue had brought over, he sighed and took out his twelfth-grade textbooks.
He, too, decided to continue studying.
Not because studying was that beneficial, but because he wanted... to be worthy of pursuing her.
Meng Chuyue timed her arrival precisely.
At seven fifty, she drove to the entrance of Phoenix District, carrying two bags of items for Shen Ci, and slowly made her way to the third floor.
Arriving at Shen Ci’s door, she was about to ring the doorbell when the opposite door opened.
Meng Jingfen and Fu Hongfang came out together.
Seeing her, Meng Jingfen excitedly exclaimed, "Are you cohabitating with him?"
What else would you be doing here so late?
Meng Chuyue gave her a glare, said nothing, and went on to ring the doorbell at Shen Ci’s house.
Ignored, Meng Jingfen was so angry she wanted to hit someone but remembered Meng Chuyue’s superior fighting skills and could only stare in vexation.
Shen Ci had been on his balcony since seven past the hour, watching for Meng Chuyue at the entrance of the district.
He had planned to open the door for her right on time, but at seven fifty-five Long Yue called him.
Hearing the doorbell, he fiercely hung up and swiftly opened the door.
Meng Chuyue unceremoniously handed him the two bags she was carrying, stepping close to him as she entered and closed the door.
Meng Jingfen was left outside, her fists swinging in frustration, while Fu Hongfang tugged at her clothes and whispered into her ear, "It’s better for us if she stays here, it’s conducive to our plans."
Lin Fangwei had sought out Meng Jingfen a few days earlier, urging her to procure a kidney source quickly so that they could get their hands on the money sooner. Eager for cash, they had rushed back to Wuliu Town to ask relatives to a kidney to the feignedly ill Meng Jinhua, but alas, no one was willing, and they had to offer twenty thousand to buy a kidney.
Now there were willing participants, but none were a match, forcing them to focus once again on Meng Chuyue.
What they didn’t know was some matches had been successful, but they were all from rough men that Lin Fangwei disdained; she was fixated on obtaining Meng Chuyue’s kidney.
Once inside, Meng Chuyue immediately placed the two bags she’d brought on the coffee table.
One bag contained over thirty pounds of Space fruit, "This is the last batch of Space fruit this year, there won’t be any more."
Life suddenly felt even more tasteless.
"This is some cookies and cakes I made."
Meng Chuyue’s cookies were also delicious; he suddenly felt life return to normal.
"Here is three hundred thousand in cash and some ginseng, consider it a loan from me, you must repay me with interest when you earn money."
He fought back the tears welling up in his eyes and asked with self-possession, "Did you hear me ask Su Jinnian for money this morning?"
Meng Chuyue couldn’t bother lying, "Mhm."
"...Why are you so kind to me? Aren’t you afraid I’ll default on your money?"
"Of course, it’s because of Aunt Qin. I didn’t have the chance to tell you, but that day Aunt Qin repeatedly entrusted me with many things, telling you not to seek revenge on the Shen Family, and even if you must take revenge, never to get yourself hurt. I promised, and lending you the money is to stop you from taking drastic actions."
Shen Ci looked up, pushing back the even stronger surge of tears, "I accept your kindness and promise you, I won’t do anything drastic. But why lend me the money and give me so much ginseng? Just how much ginseng did you dig up?"